Nester

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT NESTER - PAGE 3

Leah L. Merkel, 89, formerly of Front Street, Reading, died Sunday in the Phoebe Home, Allentown. A graduate of the McCann Business School, Reading, she was a bookkeeper and secretary for the former Ludens Candy Factory, Reading, for about 40 years, retiring in 1975. Born in Albany Township, Berks County, she was a daughter of the late John A. and Emma (Nester) Merkel. She was a member and former church secretary at Calvary Reformed Church, Reading. Survivors: Sister, Mrs. Elsie M. Hamm of Strausstown, Berks County.

Mrs. Florence D. Wessner, 95, formerly of Kempton R.2 and Stony Run, Berks County, died Tuesday in Laurel Living Center, Hamburg R.2. She was the widow of Osville M. Wessner. Born in Albany Township, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Jane (Stump) Kunkel. She was a member of Frieden's Lutheran Church, Stony Run. Survivors: Daughter, Mrs. Olive A. Nester of Kempton R.2, four granddaughters, 15 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday in the church.

An apparent stroke that has left Emmaus Mayor Linwood D. Nester partially paralyzed has raised questions about the borough's May 16 primary, where Nester is competing for the Republican nomination. Nester, 70, was in critical but stable condition yesterday at Lehigh Valley Hospital Center, a hospital spokeswoman said. Currently finishing his first four-year mayoral term, Nester suffered a stroke in mid-March after a Florida trip, borough officials said. The mayor was a patient at Leader Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, but was recently transferred to LVHC when his condition worsened, a Leader spokeswoman said yesterday.

Calling hours for Harold F. Haupt, 74, of McKeansburg, Schuylkill County, who died Tuesday, will be 7-8:30 p.m. today, Robert S. Nester Funeral Home, Snyders (Route 309). The day was incorrect in Wednesday's obituary.